Raquy and the Cavemen are a duo of virtuoso drummers / multi-instrumentalists who bring hard rock energy to the mystical rhythms of the Middle East. They will be returning to Northampton for the 4th year in a row to help raise funds for local non-profit Evolvegan’s Vegan Bus Project.

Raquy and the Cavemen switch between energetic drumming compositions and intoxicating melodic pieces. Utilizing a variety of unusual instruments including the Kemenche (an ancestor of the violin), Dumset (Middle Eastern drumset) and Mongolian Throat singing (see full instrument descriptions below), Raquy and the Cavemen’s huge sound and mind-blowing show leaves listeners transported, uplifted and full of joy.

Local favorites Manavi will also be performing. Manavi is a troupe of dancers and musicians based in Northampton, MA. Featuring three captivating and unique belly dancers – Felicia Malachite, Sugati and Sahina, Manavi plays original music as well as traditional classic Middle Eastern songs.

Raquy lives part time in Istanbul where she performs and practices with virtuoso Turkish drummers, especially her main teacher Bunyamin Olguncan. She performed there with Okay Temiz. She has also appeared on Turkish Television with Ross Daly and Okay Temiz. Raquy has released two popular Dumbek Instructional Kits that include a book, a DVD and a CD. She also has her own line of custom dumbeks. Find all this and more at her online store.